by Cassandra Rae Ferguson

Created on: March 02, 2011   Last Updated: March 04, 2011

We’ve all heard a certain makeup artist’s war cry “not to prime is a CRIME!”  A clever marketing catchphrase for him, yes, but is he right? Once considered a needless product, makeup primer is now being embraced by many women as an essential part of makeup application.

If you have never tried a makeup primer before but are more than a little curious and are looking to try one out for yourself, you are not alone. Makeup primers are fast becoming one of the hottest products on the cosmetics market! So, to find out just what it is about makeup primers that is making them so popular, read on…

Contrary to popular belief, a makeup primer is more than a moisturizer. Primers resemble a milky lotion or gel, which are available mostly in tubes or pots.  Primers are usually fragrance-free and contain no or very little oil. The majority of these are transparent; however some brands hold tinted varieties in several shades, in order to match the skin tone. The tinted varieties can assist in extra coverage for a blemished or uneven complexion. Primers are available for all skin types. They are particularly beneficial to very oily and very dry complexions, which can cause problems in makeup’s staying power.

Generally, additional to a moisturizer, primers can contain waxes and polymers; with some brands also containing silicone (silicone is not recommended for those with sensitive skin or skin complications). These additional properties allow the primer lotion to sit on the top layer of the skin, without being absorbed. Thus, the primer forms a barrier between the skin and the foundation or other makeup worn. Not only does this barrier protect the skin and prevent clogged pores, but it also protects the foundation from excess oil in the skin. Less oil means no shine and longer-lasting makeup!

Designed to smooth out imperfections in the skin, primer provides a smooth canvas on which to apply foundation. Hence, the foundation is easier to apply, gliding on smoothly and the result is flawless. In addition, the primer acts as a magnet for the makeup; it gives foundation a strong base to adhere to (compared to the skin, which can become oily or dry). Hence, the longevity of the foundation and other makeup applied is increased because it can ‘grab’ onto the primer.  

Makeup primers are also available for specific areas of the face, such as eye and lip primers. These can not only help to prevent eye shadows from caking in the eye creases and lipsticks from bleeding, but they can also increase the longevity of the makeup.

Using a primer

Primer is applied after moisturizer but prior to foundation. You do not need to double up on moisturizer and primer – you can opt to use one or the other. However, if skipping your normal moisturizer is undesirable, let it penetrate completely before using primer. Apply the makeup primer as you would a moisturizing lotion, to your face and neck. This can be done with your hands or with a foundation brush. Allow to dry before following with makeup.

Use of a primer is a personal preference; some people swear by them, others don’t. But really, with all the hype that surrounds makeup primer, there’s just gotta be something in it! There are many skin primers on the market, so be sure to shop around. And remember, ‘you’re committing a crime if you don’t prime’!

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